Swimming pool coping

ABSTRACT

A coping for a swimming pool comprising a body member having a top wall portion including means for removably receiving an insert whereby the coping, by selective choice of color, chemical composition, texture and/or character of the insert material, may be enhanced in appearance and made highly functional. The coping further included means for removably receiving a member of selected material, e.g., tile, so as to conceal the bead receiving portion of the pool and so as to give the pool the appearance of having a side wall made from the selected material.

United States Patent Stillman, Jr.

[ SWIMMING POOL COPING [76] Inventor: Albert H. Stillman, Jr., R0. 38'

Southern Blvd., Nesconset, NY.

[22] Filed: Sept. 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No; 184,295

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 793,862, Jan. 24, 1969,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 4/l72.21 [51] Int. Cl E0411 3/16, E04h 3/18 [58] Field of Search 4/172, 172.19, 172.21

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,835,937 5/1958 Hobbs 52/181 3,064,273 11/1962 Kwake.. 4/172 3,271,787 9/1966 Clary 4/172.21

451 .Oct. 8, 1974 3,293,039 1/1967 Schmcrlcr 4/l72.2l 3,464,067 9/1969 Houck 4/172 3,540,274 1 11/1970 Shore 4/172 3,628,198 12/1971 Katzman 4/l72.21

Prim ary'Examiner l-lenry K. Artis I Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stephen E. Feldman 7] y ABSTRACT 21 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures- 1 SWIMMING PooL COPING This is a continuation, of application Ser. No.

793,862, filed Jan. 24, 1969 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Swimming pools have been provided with copings so 1 cessitating replacement of the entire coping or costlyrepair. In addition, changing the texture, character and appearance of a coping to suit the changing whim of a pool owner is not possible as reconditioning is generally limited to applying a new coat of paint.

I-Ieretofore, copings have been used for aesthetic purposes and not functional purposes; This is because no one has been able to impart functional structure to conventional coping structure. For example, attempts have been made to impart a non-slip surface to a cop-. ing by forming ribs in the upper surface thereof. Such modification is of little help as it does not change the coefficient of friction of the coping. Moreover, while ribs tend to prevent slip, they frequently are inclined to be rough thereby causing skin abrasions when engaged by the hands and limbs of the pool user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION A coping for a swimming pool adapted to have an insert comprised of natural or synthetic carpeting, artificial grass, coco matting, decorative plastic sheeting or the like, releasably secured thereto. The coping includes a top wall portion having a recess for releasably receiving the insert. I

By judicious selection of the color and texture of the insert material, the insert may be made to greatly enhance the aesthetic appearance of the coping. Further, the appearance and texture of the coping may be readily changed, if desired, by inserting a new insert thereby providing selection and minimizing the cost of repair.

The texture of the insert may be selected so as to impart a non-slip character, of any desired degree, to the coping. As contrasted with an embossed rib structure of the prior art, the non-slip insert material may be made spongy so as to avoid skin abrasion.

The coping can be made highly functional. For example, the insert may be made of coco matting or similar material so as to provide a surface suitable for wiping feet prior to entry into the pool.

The coping of the present invention includesfurther means for receiving additional inserts which are directed to changing the appearance of theside wall of a pool. In this embodimentof the invention, the forward edge of the coping includes means for removably securing thereto a member of selected material, 'e.g., tile, so as to conceal the bead receiving portion of the pool and so as to give the appearance of a pool having a sidewall of the selected material.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of recess means in the top surface of the coping for receiving the insert. In addition to removably receiving the insert, this recess may be shaped to provide a banking surface for diving off the coping and still further, may be used for gripping the coping when the swimmer is getting out of the pool.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a swimming pool having a coping constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a coping, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fragment of a pool side wall together with coping constructed in accordance with a modified version of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the coping shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1 a portion of a swimming pool is ,shown including a decking 1 formed of concrete sections or tiles, and coping 2 constructed in accordance with the present invention.

The pool of FIG. 1 is constructedv by digging a suitable hole in ground 3, shaping the floor to have the desired contour and-then installing a series of vertically disposed steel walls 4as shown in FIG. 2. It is to be understood that walls 4 maybe of any desired material of suitable strength such as heavy timber and the like.

Wall 4 hasan integrally connected header flange 5 extending outwardly from the upper end thereof. A threaded coping connecting bolt 6 is adapted to be extended through aperture 7 in flange 5 when the coping is installed.

In order to render the sidewalls as well as the bottom of the pool waterproof, a lining-8 of sheet plastic material, such as a suitable vinyl compound, polyethylene or the like, is provided and, as shown, extends upward along wall 4. The lining 8 is secured at its upper end to coping 2 of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

Referring to FIG. 2,- the novel coping 2 of the present invention will now be described. Coping 2 includes a rear end wall 9, a top wall 10 and a forward wall 11,

preferably formed by extrusion of suitable aluminum alloys or other corrosion resistant material.

The rear end wall 9 of the coping 2 extends downwardly in abutting engagement with decking 1. Rear end wall 9 has an inwardly extending support flange 12 resting on ground 3 and bearing against corner portion 5A of header flange 5. A flange l3, downwardly depending from top wall 10, provides additional support for the rear portion of coping 2.

The forward end wall 11 of coping 2 is shaped to provide a convex outer surface which conceals and protects the upper edge of the pool, provides an attractive curvature to the coping, and deflects back waves of water that splash up from lining 8. A U-shaped member 14 is provided at the bottom of forward end wall 11 and comprises leg portions 15 and 16 connected by a bight portion 17. Leg 15 is integrally connected to a flange 18 downwardly depending from the bottom of forward end wall 11. Leg 16 rests on flange S and provides support for forward end 11. A flange l9 downwardly depends from leg 16 and bears against side wall 4 soas to prevent inadvertent shifting of coping 2.

A flange 20 extends upwardly from leg 16 thereby defining a restricted opening into U-shaped member 14. The restricted opening is adapted to receive therein a rectangular resilient bead 21 which protrudes from the upper edge of liner 8. The bead 21 is adapted to be shapped into the restricted opening under hard pressure.

The hollow interior of the coping 2 provided a downwardly extending flange 22 having a U-shaped member 23 extending downwardly therefrom. Member 23 is adapted to connect the coping 2 to flange 5. Member 23 is comprised of two leg portions 24 extending downwardly from central bi ght portion 25 integrally connected to flange 22. Leg portions 24 are spaced from each other predetermined distances and their inside surfaces 26 are provided with serrations so as to lockably snap onto the threaded end of bolt 6. This provides a relatively simple method for permanently attaching the coping 2 in place. Ushaped member 23 also engages flange providing further support for coping 2.

The top wall of coping 2 is provided with a recess 27 which is adapted to receive an insert 28. Recess 27 is formed with a bottom wall 29 extending between and connected to flanges 13 and 22. The top wall includes extensions 30 and 31 which overlap the bottom wall 29 and together with the bottom wall define grooves for snugly and removably securing opposite edges of insert 28. Extension 30 may also be used as a gripping edge so as to assist the swimmer in pulling himself out of the pool.

The insert 28 is easily removable and thus can be replaced and changed at minimum cost. If removability is not a particularly desirable feature, adhesive may be coated on the bottom wall 29 to more permanently hold the insert 28 in place. Water insoluble adhesive is preferably employed so as to avoid delamination on water splashing out of the pool.

If convenience is desired, the insert 28 may be provided (not shown) with a pressure sensitive adhesive coating, or a double faced adhesive may be laid down on bottom wall 29.

If desired, insert 28 may be made substantially flush with surface of the top wall by making bottom wall 29 parallel with top wall 10. If desired, the insert 28 may extend above the coping, the only requirement being that the opposite edges of the insert be of a dimension to fit into the opposed grooves in the recess 27.

While recess 27 is the preferred means for securing the insert 28, it is to be understood that any conventional securing'means could be'employed. Moreover, it is to be understood that recess 27 may be provided in cured to coping 2.

Insert 28 may be selected from any number of materials dcpending on the qualities desired to be imparted to the coping 2. Materials such as natural and synthetic carpeting, artificial grass, coco matting, decorative plastic sheeting, decorative fabrics, polyurethane foam, natural sponge, etc. may beused.

Particularly suitable synthetic carpeting is marine carpeting sold under the trademark Naugehyde and exterior carpeting sold under the trademark Ozite. Ozite is made from polypropylene filaments while Naugahyde is made from polyvinyl choloride.

The color of the insert is made to contrast with the color of the coping 2 so as to enhance the overall appearance of the coping 2. In addition, the color of ina separate member which is adapted to be rested or sesert 28 may be varied or indicia may be placed on insert 28 so as to provide an indication of pool depth.

The texture of the insert may be selected so as to enhance the appearance of the coping 28 while imparting other desired qualities to the coping. If coco matting is used as the insert material 28, the surface may be used by a swimmer to wipe his feet free of grass clippings and the like prior to pool use. Spongy material my be used such as natural sponge, so as to make the coping resilient thereby minimizing injury on slipping or fallmg.

One of the most important advantages of the insert 28 is that it may be selected so as to enhance the nonslip character of the coping. Insert material, having a coefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction of the material of top wall 10, may be used to accomplish this result.

In order to further enhance the non-slip character of the coping, it is to be noted that top wall 10 is concave as it moves rearwardly from forward end to extension 30. Bottom wall 29 of the recess 27 is made convex so as to provide a banking surface for swimmers feet thereby enhancing the non-slip character of the coping 2.

While the coping 2 in FIG. 2-is shown with one recess for receiving one insert 28, it is to be understood that a plurality of insert receiving recesses may be provided on the coping. In FIG. 1, it is to be noted that one edge of the pool is provided with a coping having several inserts. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic effect, the number of inserts may be used as an indicator for indicating such things as pool depth.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a modification of the present invention is illustrated wherein the coping member 2 is modified so as to accommodate a tile receiving member 32 which is adapted to conceal the U- shaped bead receiving member 14 while giving the appearance that the pool is constructed with a tile side wall. Member 32 also protects liner 8 from damage particularly if the pool is left up inwinter and skated upon. In this embodiment, the bottom of forward end wall 11 of the coping is provided with a second U-shaped member 33 which is adapted to receive an inwardly extending flange 34 of the tile receiving member 32. Flange 34 has a rib 35 integrally formed therein which is of sufficient resiliency so as to be capable of being pressed into member 33 and snapped into a recess 36 formed therein.

The tile receiving member 32 is provided with tile receiving surfaces 37 and 38 (FIG. 4) which are adapted to slidably and removably receive tile members 39 (FIG. 3). Surfaces 37 and 38 have inclined end walls 40 and 41, the outer extremities of which overlap the tile members 39 so as to hold them in place.

It is thought that the invention and may of its intended advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it is believed that various changes will be made in the form, construction and arrangement without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the embodiments hereinbefore described bemerely for purposes of illustration.

What is claimed is: g

1. The combination comprising a swimming pool and a swimming pool coping, said coping comprising a body member, means for securing said body member to a surface adjacent the edge of said swimming pool, a decorative member having a color contrasting with color of at least a portion of the remainder of said coping, means for securing said decorative member to said body member, said decorative member extending through a path which extends in part downwardly toward said swimming pool so as to provide a foot banking surface for diving purposes.

2. The combination comprising a swimming pool and a swimming pool coping, said coping comprising a body I member, means for securing said body to a surface adjacent the edge of said swimming pool, a decorative member, means for securing said decorative member to said body member with at least a portion of said decorative member being in a path which extends downwardly toward said swimming pool so as to provide a banking surface for diving purposes, the coefficient of friction of the human foot on said decorative member is different from the coefficient of friction of the human foot on said body member.

3. A swimming pool coping comprising a body member, a decorative member having a color contrasting with the color of at least a portion of the remainder of said coping, means for securing said decorative member-to said body member, the coefficient of friction of a human foot on said decorative member being different from the coefficient of friction of a human foot on said body member, said body member including a top wall and a downwardly depending wall, means for securing said body member to a surface adjacent the edge of a pool, at least a portion of said downwardly depending wall extending in an area which will be above said surface so as to deflect back water splashing from said pool, means for receiving the edge of a swimming pool liner.

4. A swimming pool coping comprising a body member, means for securing a selected decorative member in a downwardly depending relation to said body member, a swimming pool, a vinyl liner including an edge in said pool, said coping including means for receiving said edge, said decorative member concealing said receiving portion.

5. A swimming pool coping according to claim 4, said decorative member extending from said coping a distance normally sufficientto extend below the level of water in the pool when the pool is filled with water, thereby giving the appearance that the sidewall of the pool is made of the same material as said decorative 9. A swimming pool coping according to claim 8 wherein said receiving means comprises a first recess in said body member and wherein said receiving portion comprises a second recess in said body member, said second recess positioned downwardly from said first recess.

10. A swimming pool coping according to claim 8 wherein said extending flange includes resilient means and said first recess includes corresponding means so that said second means when press fitted will resilient hold together.

11. A swimming pool coping according to claim 10 v wherein said second recess has means thereon so that said bead edge will resiliently fit into said second recess to secure said liner in place.

12. A swimming pool coping according to claim 11 O the edge of a swimming pool,

0. means on the outer end of the coping member to attach a protective or ornamental panel, d. a generally flat panel attached to the means and 5 extending downwardly therefrom, to cover a portion of a liner positioned below the coping.

15. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 in which,

b..said means comprises a channel, and

c. an enlargement on the back of the panel'engaged with the chanel.

16. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 in which,

b. the panel is made of rigid stock.

17. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 15 and,

b. another channel is located below the first mentioned channel and is dimensioned to receive the top of a liner.

18. A protective coping for a prising a. the device according to claim 14 and,

b. a simulated tile design on the front of the panel.

19. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 and,

b. the means comprising a channel,

0. an enlargement on the back of the panel engaged with the channel,

d. another channel below the means dimensioned receive the top of a liner,

e. a simulated tile design on the front'of the panel,

f. the panel extending downwardly below the other swimming pool com channel to overlap the top of a liner received in the f. the panel extending downwardly below the other channel to overlap the top of a liner received in the other channel and to protect it from abrasion or sunlight. 

1. The combination comprising a swimming pool and a swimming pool coping, said coping comprising a body member, means for securing said body member to a surface adjacent the edge of said swimming pool, a decorative member having a color contrasting with color of at least a portion of the remainder of said coping, means for securing said decorative member to said body member, said decorative member extending through a path which extends in part downwardly toward said swimming pool so as to provide a foot banking surface for diving purposes.
 2. The combination comprising a swimming pool and a swimming pool coping, said coping comprising a body member, means for securing said body to a surface adjacent the edge of said swimming pool, a decorative member, means for securing said decorative member to said body member with at least a portion of said decorative member being in a path which extends downwardly toward said swimming pool so as to provide a banking surface for diving purposes, the coefficient of friction of the human foot on said decorative member is different from the coefficient of friction of the human foot on said body member.
 3. A swimming pool coping comprising a body member, a decorative member having a color contrasting with the color of at least a portion of the remainder of said coping, means for securing said decorative member to said body member, the coefficient of friction of a human foot on said decorative member being different from the coefficient of friction of a human foot on said body member, said body member including a top wall and a downwardly depending wall, means for securing said body member to a surface adjacent the edge of a pool, at least a portion of said downwardly depending wall extending in an area which will be above said surface so as to deflect back water splashing from said pool, means for receiving the edge of a swimming pool liner.
 4. A swimming pool coping comprising a body member, means for securing a selected decorative member in a downwardly depending relation to said body member, a swimMing pool, a vinyl liner including an edge in said pool, said coping including means for receiving said edge, said decorative member concealing said receiving portion.
 5. A swimming pool coping according to claim 4, said decorative member extending from said coping a distance normally sufficient to extend below the level of water in the pool when the pool is filled with water, thereby giving the appearance that the sidewall of the pool is made of the same material as said decorative member.
 6. A swimming pool coping according to claim 4, wherein said decorative member is sufficiently rigid so as to protect a swimming pool liner.
 7. A swimming pool coping according to claim 4 wherein said means for securing include a receiving means in said coping and an extending flange on said decorative means which fits securly into said receiving means.
 8. A swimming pool coping according to claim 7 wherein said edge of said vinyl liner has a bead thereon.
 9. A swimming pool coping according to claim 8 wherein said receiving means comprises a first recess in said body member and wherein said receiving portion comprises a second recess in said body member, said second recess positioned downwardly from said first recess.
 10. A swimming pool coping according to claim 8 wherein said extending flange includes resilient means and said first recess includes corresponding means so that said second means when press fitted will resilient hold together.
 11. A swimming pool coping according to claim 10 wherein said second recess has means thereon so that said bead edge will resiliently fit into said second recess to secure said liner in place.
 12. A swimming pool coping according to claim 11 wherein said decorative member includes receiving surfaces which are adapted to have tile members slidably inserted therein.
 13. A swimming pool coping according to claim 12 wherein said surfaces have inclined end wall the outer extremities of which are positioned to overlap the tile members to hold them in place.
 14. A protective coping for a swimming pool having a liner positioned below the coping comprising a. a coping member, b. an outer end on the coping member for location at the edge of a swimming pool, c. means on the outer end of the coping member to attach a protective or ornamental panel, d. a generally flat panel attached to the means and extending downwardly therefrom, to cover a portion of a liner positioned below the coping.
 15. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 in which, b. said means comprises a channel, and c. an enlargement on the back of the panel engaged with the chanel.
 16. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 in which, b. the panel is made of rigid stock.
 17. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 15 and, b. another channel is located below the first mentioned channel and is dimensioned to receive the top of a liner.
 18. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 and, b. a simulated tile design on the front of the panel.
 19. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 and, b. the means comprising a channel, c. an enlargement on the back of the panel engaged with the channel, d. another channel below the means dimensioned to receive the top of a liner, e. a simulated tile design on the front of the panel, f. the panel extending downwardly below the other channel to overlap the top of a liner received in the other channel and to protect it from abrasion or sunlight.
 20. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 and, b. a tile on the front of the panel.
 21. A protective coping for a swimming pool comprising a. the device according to claim 14 and, b. the means comprising a channel, c. an enlargement on the back of the panel engaged with the channel, d. another channel below the means dimensioned to receive the top of a liner, e. a tile on the front of the panel, f. the panel extending downwardly below the other channel to overlap the top of a liner received in the other channel and to protect it from abrasion or sunlight. 